Circular Economy: Concrete examples of Danish companies providing business profitable CE solutions. Report from State of Green. November 2016

This white paper has the purpose of contributing to the common understanding of the concept of the circular economy and, through practical examples, illustrating how Danish companies are providing solutions that help progress the transition towards a circular economy.

Circular economies are high on the international political agenda. However, we are only at the beginning of the journey towards becoming a circular economy. Public and private co-operation is crucial in converting challenges into opportunities at a national, regional and global level. Danish companies are already moving towards adopting more circular business models because it has proven to be a sound business strategy that facilitates access to new markets, drives innovative solutions and saves production costs.

Circular economies are highly business driven. Throughout this white paper, specific company examples will be used to exemplify and show how new innovative business models can benefit the environment, climate and economy.

Chapters 1, 2 and 3 start by looking at the concept of the circular economy and new types of business model, before diving deeper into how the design phase of products can provide circular economy solutions. For the materials that cannot be reused, high quality recycling can transform these materials into valuable secondary raw materials – this is looked at in chapter 4. Chapter 5 looks at resource efficiency and partnership between different sectors. Chapters 6 and 7 have a sectorial focus on the bio and construction industries, and chapter 8 explores the potential of a circular economy.